From simple steps, such as raking up leaves and debris around your house, to more involved measures, like installing a spark arrestor in your chimney, or even hiring a professional to help you fireproof, you can help improve safety in and around your home.

Clean eavestroughs help direct water runoff away from your home (ideally with the help of downspouts pointed at least 2 metres away from your foundation). This can help protect against flooding, which is always a risk during weather events such as torrential rains, hurricanes and hailstorms. And it’s doubly protective, since by eliminating debris such as dry leaves, pine needles and branches, you’re helping to reduce your fire risk!

Do review your coverage regularly and keep an up-to-date inventory of your belongings. Don’t assume everything is automatically covered or forget to inform your insurer about major renovations or changes.

It’s important to carve out time to review your policy each year because, if you renovate or make any major purchases for your home, you may need to adjust your coverage to ensure you’re properly protected. Try to choose the same time each year to complete your review so it’s easy to remember – your policy renewal date is a good option, but the first of the year or another key milestone could work too.

It’s important to know what your insurance policy covers so that you can have peace of mind if you ever need to file a claim. While most policies cover claims related to fire, theft and wind damage, you may need to purchase additional coverage for other perils, such as:

• Damage caused by some natural disasters, like earthquakes

• Damage caused by escape of fuel oil (if you have an oil tank on the premises)

• Damage or theft of particularly valuable possessions like jewellery, furs, collections or works of art

• Water damage such as sewer back-up or flood coverage

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